AMMAN, May 16 (Xinhua) -- Jordan is looking forward to benefiting from China's Belt and Road Initiative (B&R Initiative), which will create promising opportunities, Jordanian Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Imad Fakhoury has said.
Jordan will greatly benefit from the initiative due to the kingdom's strategic location in the region connecting three continents, Fakhoury told a networking event and reception for the China-aided training programs in Jordan on Tuesday night.
Proposed by China in 2013, the B&R Initiative refers to the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, which aim at building a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient trade routes of the Silk Road.
At the event, Fakhoury also voiced his appreciation of China's support to Jordan at all levels.
The minister noted that China is the largest supporter to Jordan in terms of providing human resources training programs for Jordanians.
He said that the assistance and trainings provided by China to Jordan have improved the capabilities of Jordanians.
Addressing the event, Chinese Ambassador in Amman Pan Weifang said more and more Jordanian officials are going to China to attend seminars and training programs, which have enhanced the bilateral exchanges and cooperation.
Over the past years, nearly 2,000 Jordanian officials and technicians have attended China-aided training programs. In 2017 alone, 305 Jordanians attended such programs in China, Pan said.
In recent years, Jordan has accepted a large number of Syrian refugees, creating a new burden on its economy. China has already provided humanitarian assistance of about 9.4 million U.S. dollars to the refugees in Jordan, the Chinese envoy said.
Meanwhile, China has offered other means of economic aid, including improving its water and sewage services, and building shelters and roads, he said.
China will continue to enhance the China-Jordan strategic partnership, boost bilateral practical cooperation in all fields, and contribute to Jordan's social and economic development, he added.
On the B&R Initiative, Pan said China is willing to work with other developing countries, including Jordan, to build and share the initiative.
"In this context, countries around the world can learn from one another, work together to meet challenges, and build a community of a shared future for mankind... the initiative has been warmly received by the international community," he said.
